Page 85 of Stolen Kisses

He frowned. "I grew up, and things changed. The business required every ounce of my energy, and the relationships I had weren't exactly conducive to having a family."

"Wait, so you did have relationships?"

"Of course. I'm a grown man in his midthirties. I didn't just date until this age. But all my relationships were... well, let's just say I never went into one thinking it would lead to anything."

"Maybe that's the best approach, because I went into the relationship with my ex thinking we'd be together forever, and that blew up in my face. If I'm honest, I think I might haveidealized a few things, made them out to be more than they were in my mind. I got my hopes up."

"Believing that your husband's a decent person doesn't mean you've got your hopes up. It's basically the rock bottom of requirements."

"When you put it like that.... We fought so much every time he insisted I sell the inn. I felt like my heart shattered into pieces."

Chase put his plate down and turned to me. "He pressured you to sell it even though he knew how much it meant to you?"

"He thought I'd get a lot of money for it, and we could buy something for ourselves.”

“If we ever run into him, I'll tell him exactly what I think about him." He laughed.

"I don't think we will. He moved away from San Diego. Let’s not talk about him, though. The evening is too perfect.”

"It is."

As we finished our dinner, he got up, bringing over the chilled bottle of champagne. He popped the cork and then poured it in two glasses, grabbing one at the stem. I did the same with the other one, and he tapped his glass to mine.

"For unexpected and perfect evenings," he said.

I nodded because I agreed wholeheartedly. I took a sip and then another one.

"This is good," I said before realizing Chase hadn't drunk any at all; he just watched me. "What?" I asked.

"Nothing. I'm having déjà vu from our evening at the beach. I wanted you even back then."

I shuddered. "You did?"

" So damn much."

I took a few sips of champagne and then put the glass down, sighing as I looked at the water. "So damn gorgeous, isn't it? Iswear to God, I think this is one of the best views I've ever seen. The perfect angle over the water, you know?"

He buried his nose in my neck.

"Hey, you're not watching it."

"No, I just want to feel you."

My whole body was humming beneath his touch. "Thank you for bringing me here," I murmured.

We stayed entwined like that for a long time, until it was pitch-black outside.

"Want me to light the fire?" he asked.

"No, I have a better idea."

"Your wish is my command."

I shuddered, his words sending tendrils of heat straight between my thighs.

"I’d like for us to go inside and dance.”

"Fuck yes." He took my hand and led me downstairs.

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